STV Group plc anticipates reporting an adjusted operating profit of approximately £11.4 million for the year ended 31 December 2025, according to a pre-close trading update released this morning.
This financial outlook comes amid ongoing scrutiny and political opposition regarding the broadcaster’s proposed changes to its North-east news programming, with strikes over job cuts and cost saving measures.
The Scottish broadcaster expects its group revenue for 2025 to reach the upper end of its previously guided range of £165 million to £180 million. Furthermore, STV projects its year-end net debt position to be towards the lower end of its £45 million to £50 million guidance.
Integral to these financial projections are significant cost-reduction initiatives. The trading update confirms that “actions announced in September to protect profitability will deliver a £2.5million cost reduction in 2026 as planned.” The company further stated that “These savings are incremental to the previously announced target of £5million run rate by the end of 2026.” These cost-saving measures are widely understood to be connected to the planned restructuring of STV’s North-east news operations.
The proposed alterations to the North-east news programme have ignited considerable debate. In December, STV announced a revised strategy, scaling back initial plans to ensure some North-east-specific content would be retained. However, the broadcaster has maintained that such changes are essential to remain a “future-facing, commercially sustainable business.”
This week, First Minister John Swinney formally intervened in the matter, dispatching a letter to Ofcom, the broadcast regulator. Mr Swinney expressed strong concerns that the discontinuation of the dedicated North-east programme would “set a ‘damaging precedent’ and accelerate the decline of public interest journalism in Scotland.”
Rufus Radcliffe, Chief Executive of STV Group plc, commented on the company’s performance and strategic direction. “STV will deliver a full year 2025 in line with current expectations,” he stated. Mr Radcliffe acknowledged the broader economic challenges, adding: “The macro-uncertainty of H2 2025 has continued into early 2026 with subdued advertising and commissioning markets persisting, although the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup provides an important event for advertisers and viewers alike.”
He further elaborated on the company’s efforts to enhance resilience: “We are on track to realise previously identified cost savings to protect profitability and provide balance sheet resilience.” Mr Radcliffe also highlighted growth areas, noting that STV’s “award-winning Studios team continues to feed a strong pipeline of new potential projects alongside delivery of returning series; and our new growth venture, STV Radio, is off to a promising start.” The company is also “exploring the strategic options that are emerging given the rapidly evolving media landscape.”
STV is expected to release its full-year results for the period ending 31 December 2025 in mid-March.
